Her love is seen in her worries; her- your mother while his love could be seen through his eyes; his- your father

(_thehijabiwrites)

Fatherly love is something not-so-witnessing for everyday. Maybe, a father could show his love for his daughter as he loves to pamper daughters while for sons, he tries to hide his love as he fears for them to neglect the importance of lives. But sometimes, every father needs to know that showing affection wouldn't let his sons to exploit themselves but would only have respect in their eyes for their father.

Our Nest

Nandini's Room

Nandini twisted the knob and opened her door only to gasp on seeing Karthik and Manvik with a trolley of food.

Manvik: Good morning, Mamma!

Nandini: Good morning! But what's with this trolley?

She stared at it confusingly while her sons walked inside her room along with the trolley. Manvik is still walking with a support, that is his brother.

Karthik: Your food, Mamma. On between, good morning!

Nandini: Good morning. But, I still am confused. Why are you bringing my food up here? Hum ek saath khana khathe hain na.

Manvik: Well, we're gonna together in here too. Just Prathik won't be here. He has a breakfast chat with someone else.

Nandini stared at the happening clueless.

Nandini: Mujhe sach mein kuch bhi samaj nahi aayi.

Karthik: Maybe you'll get now. You remember your promise?

And she stared at them with wide-eyed to see them smirking.

Manvik: Let's have food, Mamma.

Nandini: Arey par, Naanu kya sochega? Neither him nor Bhai know about this promise of ours.

Karthik: We took care of it.

Nandini: What did you do?

Manvik: How does it being so important? We'll train you how to talk with them once you go down.

Nandini let out a sigh before settling around the mini dining table in her room with her sons on her either sides.

Nandini: Prathik ka kya? Did he have food?

Karthik: Mamma! We said..

Nandini: He has a breakfast chat. But I'm highly worried about this "breakfast chat" being some war zone as I know who could be his partner in it.

Manvik (smirked): It won't be a war zone since its Prathik who went, not us.

Karthik nodded in positive before stuffing a morsel in Nandini's mouth.

Nandini: Well, ye tho mene socha hi nahi.

She spoke while feeding both Karthik and Manvik with their first morsels.

Manik's Room

Manik: What are you doing here?

Manik shrieked while grabbing a shirt from his wardrobe and put on it immediately as he just came out after a shower, in a towel.

Prathik (rolled his eyes): Chill. I'm not gonna ogle at it. I have a better figure.

Manik: Excuse me? That's offending.

Prathik: So? Do you think I bother?

Manik: Of course, not. That's not in your blood.

Prathik: Then why are you even trying to know if you already knew? Come on, let's eat now.

Manik crooked his eyebrows at Prathik, who was arranging food on the mini-table.

Manik: Are we gonna have our breakfast together?

He asked with his eyes twinkling in joy. Having breakfast with his sons without anyone else apart from Nandini, would be like a dream come true for him.

Prathik: Why do you think I'm here then?

He asked with a smirk and Manik got settled on the chair immediately.

Manik: Kaha hai baaki dhono? Nandu bhi nazar nahi aa raha hain.

Prathik: Because, they're having their breakfast in Mamma's room along with her.

Manik: What? But why? We can have our breakfast together, that's why you came in here too, right?

Prathik: Nope, Mr. Malhotra. Only I came here to have breakfast with you.

Manik: Huh?

Prathik: Seems like you forgot your promise!

He stared at Manik and realization dawned upon the latter one.

Manik: Nice plan!

He muttered and Prathik just smirked.

Prathik: We know that. Have something now.

Prathik pushed the plate of waffles towards Manik, who started to devour it with Prathik kept staring at him.

Prathik: I have a question.

Manik: Hmm?

Prathik: Is Mamma your first girlfriend?

Manik choked on his drink and Prathik just scrunched his nose while rubbing his back.

Prathik: That's a dramatic reaction, you know. Choking on drink when you hear something shocking.

Manik: Well, you asked such a question.

Prathik: What's so shocking in it? We'd seen you going all possessive for our Mamma so just wanna know whether you ever had someone else before her or not. She should also be possessive then.

Manik: I wasn't possessive for her since she had someone before me in her life. Its because I love her and can't see her with someone else. We were each other's first.

And Prathik hid his smirk before flashing a smile at Manik.

Prathik: Thanks!

Manik: What for!

Prathik: You never know!

Manik stared at Prathik confusedly, who was busy in eating. Nevertheless, Manik did enjoy this small breakfast chat with his son. Though he was missing the rest two, he couldn't ask for more when Prathik initiated to have his breakfast with Manik.

Downstairs

Adyant: Nandu, why didn't you come for the breakfast?

Nandini who walked down the stairs got alert. She widened her eyes on knowing her sons didn't give her any training yet. She roamed her eyes for her sons who wasn't with her now but sitting along with Mukti and chatting with her deliberately.

Nandini (muttered): I can't believe it.

Adyant: Nanduuuu! Kaha kho gayi tu?

Nandini: Um, Naanu..Wo, wo mein, mein thoda busy thi.

Adyant: Breakfast ke waqt? You're not allowed to skip your breakfast, Miss Thakkar.

Nandini: Er..nahi, I didn't skip it. I just had it with my sons.

Adyant: But they said they had early breakfast.

He frowned at her, whose jaws were dropping down in shock.

Adyant: You too had early breakfast?

Nandini: Huh? Ye..yeah. Yeah, I too had..early breakfast. Wo..kaam ke wajah se mujhe jaldhi..I had to take food early.

She grinned nervously at him and Adyant stared at her.

Adyant: You're acting too weird.

He just patted her hairs and went away while she turned to face her sons, who were too engrossed in chatting with Mukti.

Nandini (groaned): I should have known about their plans!

"Yeah, I'll get back to you." she heard Manik's voice and she could make that he's gonna descend the stairs. A glance at her sons and she could say they might not bother to remind her about promise but she knew, she need to keep it or else, they would never come out of their insecurities.

Anything for her sons!

And she walked out of the Mansion.

Manvik and Karthik smiled at their mother's retreating figure once Mukti walked away, and then their gaze fell on Manik who walked down the stairs with his Bluetooth plugged in his ear, followed by Prathik who was jumping down the stairs with a ball in his hands.

Manik: I have no idea what you're gonna do with the presentation but I want it ready within two hours. You can even kill yourself for it but I won't care.

And he hung up the call in anger. It was an important deal but his assistant had to lose every slides which he made.

Prathik: Too much of anger is not good for your surroundings, Malhotra. My ears need peace!

He jumped the last stairs and kicked the ball in the wall which produced sound throughout the living room.

"Prathik!" he heard Navya shouting from kitchen making him palm his face.

Prathik: Your sister hates my football skills and she's got a photocopy for us too, who happens to be our sister.

Manik chuckled at him.

Manik: Should I tell it to her?

Prathik: Go ahead! She already knows!

And he walked to where his brothers were sitting and watching the scenario.

Manik (muttered): I really don't know how Nandu handled them all these 9 years. Actually, 9 years and 9 months. I don't think they would have let her be free even while staying in her womb, either.

Nyonika: Manik!

He turned to his mother, who walked towards him with a glass of juice.

Manik: Ji Mom?

Nyonika: Ye le. Your juice.

Manik (frowned): Juice? Kyun? Mene kab maanga?

Nyonika: What do you mean? Tumne hi tho Mukti se kaha tujhe juice chahiye.

Manik (surprised): What? Mene aisa kuch nahi kaha. Jhoot bol rahi hogi wo.

Nyonika: Jhoot kyu bolegi wo? What will she get if you drink juice?

Manik: How would I know? Maybe, she would feel full when I drink.

Karthik: Is that some telepathy? Your stomach to her stomach?

Manvik: Probably. They're siblings, after all.

Manik (groaned): Shut up!

Prathik: Why would he? He's actually justifying your own point. You were the one who said that she would feel full if you drink juice.

Manik: God! Will you guys stop it?

Nyonika: You stop it, Manik. Bache wo hai aur tum yaha bachon ke harkathe kar rahe ho. Ye le.

Manik: Par mujhe nahi chahiye.

Nyonika: So what am I gonna do with it? I'm already full and I made it for you. You have to drink it.

Manik took it from Nyonika unwillingly, who grumbled at her children's pranks on each other. Little did she know, it wasn't her children but grandchildren giving a hectic time to her son, this time.

Manik: How am I gonna drink this too?!

He grunted as Prathik had forced him to drink two glasses of juices already. His gaze fell on his children, who were smirking at him.

Prathik: Fulfilling promises aren't so easy always, Mr. Malhotra!

He hit the ball in the wall before walking away with the rest two and Manik kept staring at them before chuckling at himself.

Manik: Indeed, they're not just like their parents but like you too..buddy!

He swallowed a heavy breath fearing to let his pain out but then for now, he had something to take care of. He now knew, his sons are going to make it so difficult for them but he'll survive it. After all, he needs to prove himself in front of them.

Anything for his sons!

Lunch time

Kitchen

Nandini: Margaret. Pass me that bowl, please.

She spoke to the worker, who obliged to it. Since, Nandini was at home, she decided to make lunch for the day while Mukti and Navya are out with their works.

Nandini: You all can move out and take some rest. I'm nearly done with the lunch preparation.

They smiled at her and waled out. Indeed, they were stressed out.

"Can I get s...shit!" Manik walked inside and the moment he saw Nandini's back facing him, he turned the other way while Nandini turned around on listening his voice, only to face his back.

Nandini: Manik! You're not supposed to be here.

She too turned around immediately and yelled at him.

Manik: S-sorry. I didn't know you were here. Mathlab, tum kar kya rahe ho yaha!

Nandini: Dancing. Kyu? Wanna join me?

Manik: What?

Nandini: Ughh! Manik! Stop being dumb and move out before they see you here.

Manik: Arey, I wanted some water.

Nandini (groaned): You have a water dispenser in your room. Did you forget it? Like really? Our sons had reminded you before too.

And he remembered how he was in this kitchen alone with her, troubling and taunting her. He turned out to be guilty of his doings. True, he asked her to leave him but he also expected her to be waiting for him, for their destiny to be with each other, like he did. So seeing her as a mother just took the frustration in him out.

Manik: Workers are cleaning upstairs.

And she sighed. It was lunch time and workers clean every rooms before the family get done with their lunch.

Manik: Its okay, I'll wait.

Nandini: They'll take time to get there cleaned, Manik

Manik (smiled): I'll wait.

Nandini: Zidd math karo, Manik.

Manik: I don't want them to see us in here and think that we were cheating.

Nandini (smiled): I know that. But I don't want you to stay thirsty. Kuch tho socho.

They thought for a while.

Manik: Idea!

Nandini: What?

Manik: I'll get water with my eyes closed and you too stay with your eyes closed. In case, I come in front of you, it would save us from breaking the promise.

Nandini: Par Manik, you don't know the kitchen to know where we keep the water dispensers.

Manik (sadly): Oh. Ye bhi tho hai.

Nandini: I'll do it. Tum bas apne aankhen bandh karo.

Manik: Sure? Warna mein wait..

Nandini: Shut up and close your eyes, Malhotra!

He sighed and closed his eyes and she too closed her eyes before turning around and took baby steps to find the water dispenser, which she did after one or two minute. She got a glass filled with water.

Nandini: You still at the door?

Manik: Yes.

She moved ahead while searching for the door.

Nandini: I'm forwarding my hand. Hold it without opening your eyes. I have a glass of water for you.

He turned around.

Manik: Ithni jaldhi aayi?

Nandini: Malhotra, I'm good at observing, hence I know my kitchen's interior.

Manik: Yeah right! Now give me some water, I'm thirsty like hell.

Nandini: Haa tho find my hand.

He moved his left hand ahead and walked a little closer.

Manik: Kaha ho tum?

Nandini: Yahi.

And she too walked a little bit closer following his voice and soon his hand touched her hand making them smile.

Nandini: Here it is.

She passed the water in her other hand to the hand that was holding her hand and he took it.

Manik: Finally!

He took it from her and turned around to drink his water while she too turned around and opened her eyes.

Nandini: Huff! Manik, go away. They shouldn't see us.

Manik: Cool! Bye..

He kept the glass of water on the kitchen counter and moved a step ahead.

Manik: Between..

Nandini: Ab kya..jaldhi karo.

Manik: Er..I love you! That's it.

And he sped away while she giggled at him. His way of thanking her which he would never forget, no matter what may come!

In the Evening

Cabir and Navya's Room

Cabir walked inside the bedroom only to see Navya flipping pages of an Album. He walked closer to look in them, only to get his eyes welled up. He knelt down on the floor and traced his fingers over those pictures.

Navya (whispered): We were so happy, right?

He looked up at her, to see her shedding tears. Something he always hated in those eyes which always shone for him.

Cabir: You..looked beautiful. Beautiful..with that womb.

She stared back in his eyes to see them welled up but her eyes were not just of pain but were of accusation too.

Navya: Why? Why, Cabir?

Cabir: I..don't know.

He stood up to leave when she held his hand and leaned onto it.

Navya: Thak chuki hun!

He looked back at her but didn't touch her.

Navya: Thak chuki hun mein. I can't take all these anymore. We were so happy to be with each other. Ek pal tha jab hum ek doosre ke bina kuch bhi kar nahi paathe aur aaj, aaj hum ek doosre ke presence bhi seh nahi sakthe. You shouldn't have done it. You shouldn't have.

He removed her hold on him and knelt on the floor again.

Cabir: Look in my eyes, Mrs. Dhawan!

Navya looked up at him to see him so broken and vulnerable.

Cabir: You can blame me for whatever I did because I deserve it. But just..just consider yourself to be a brother who had to see his daughter like sister fighting for breath shivering in fear. You loved her so much that you didn't want to be the best friend who could give his life away for his friends. You loved her so much that you didn't want to be the best husband you used to be. Would you still blame me?

Navya kept looking at him before nodding in positive.

Navya: I will.

Cabir shook his head and looked down while chuckling at his fate.

Navya: I will because..I care for my nephews more than I care for you.

He shuddered with it. If at all he's guilty then it's not just for hurting his best friend but for his nephews' messed up lives. He destroyed their childhood and he wished nothing but his own death.

He stood up and left the room before picking up a file for which he came while Navya sat there shedding tears.

Navya: I can't stop loving you, Cabir. I just can't. Why?!

She held her knees close to her chest and cried her heart out. She hasn't just lost her first baby but her love too.

Kitchen

Abhimanyu: Okay, let's make some snacks and coffee.

He spoke while placing both Naila and Alishka on the kitchen counter and then turned to open the refrigerator.

Alishka: But what are we making, Abhi Mamu?

Abhimanyu frowned and then looked up at Alishka with a smile.

Abhimanyu: Ashu. Kuch kahun tho aap kar sakthe kya?

Alishka bobbed her head and Abhimanyu walked towards her before taking her hands in his.

Abhimanyu: Call me Chachu..not Mamu!

She frowned while Naila grew curious at her father's request.

Alishka: Chachu? What's that name used for? As in what relationship?

She wasn't aware of the meaning of 'Chachu' as her father never had any friends apart from some business mates whom she addressed 'Uncles'.

Abhimanyu: Father's brother!

He smiled faintly before walking towards the refrigerator again and the girls shared a look with each other.

Naila: Par Daddy! Ashu ke Papa aapke brother kaise bann sakthe? Are you guys some cousins or do you guys take each other as brothers?

Abhimanyu halted his actions which he covered up before taking the milk and egg from the refrigerator while the girls smirked at each other.

Abhimanyu: Um..It doesn't matter. I always loved someone calling me Chachu.

Alishka: So why me, Ma..er..Chachu?

Abhimanyu's eyes twinkled in joy after hearing her. The moment Navya said, she was expecting, he didn't hug or wish her but hugged the daylight out of Cabir screaming he's gonna be a Chachu. The boys had decided to be called 'Chachus' by the other's kids but Nandini's arrival in their lives changed that perception. Abhimanyu took Nandini as his sibling and he vowed to hear Mamu from her kids while for Manik and Cabir, its obviously Mamu!

Abhimanyu: Why is that a problem for you, Dhawan?

Alishka: Just curious to know your relationship with my father.

She shrugged her shoulders at him and he just ignored her comment.

Abhimanyu: Just don't be.

Naila: But why, Daddy?

Abhimanyu: Kyunki kabhi kabhi, insaan ek closure chahthe hain and he wouldn't wish to share anything that he has in his heart with anyone but himself. Isiliye, you need to give him that closure. What does it mean?

Alishka: That we have to..

Naila: Zip our mouths.

Abhimanyu: How intelligent of you both!

And he got back to making coffee.

"What's cooking?" Mukti walked inside and Abhimanyu just gave her a grin.

Abhimanyu: Mr. Thakkar is cooking.

Mukti: Okay! That means, RIP Kitchen!

She waved her hands in air before taking place beside the girls and bumped her fist with their fists.

Abhimanyu: Ha ha ha. Bohath hasi aaya mujhe.

Mukti: Tho has lo. Ismein kehne ke kya zarurath hain!

She rolled her eyes at him and he just glared at her.

"Whoa! Is there any meeting going on?" the boys too entered inside and Abhimanyu scowled at them.

Abhimanyu: How many times should I say, Mr. Thakkar is cooking.

Prathik: Oh shit! Mamma's kitchen is gonna be RIP.

Mukti giggled while waving her fist in air and Prathik bumped to it in the air itself.

Mukti: I was saying the same!

Abhimanyu: Shut up! You guys are of no use. And, did you just forget that you were supposed to be in my team?

He raised his eyebrows at the boys, who took seat on the other part of the kitchen counter.

Karthik: Nope. We don't forget our words.

Manvik: We said, we'll be in your team when its our father the opponent.

Abhimanyu widened his eyes at them and then looked at Mukti and the girls, who rolled their eyes at him.

Mukti: They did share it with me, Mr. Thakkar.

Alishka: And we already knew it.

Abhimanyu: What! Cheater Malhotras!

Prathik: Aye! We didn't share with the girls. Unfortunately, they started to sue their brains lately.

Naila: What do you mean by lately? FYI, Mr. Malhotra, we use our brains almost every second.

Prathik: Duh! That's a pathetic comeback.

Naila: Shut up! If there's something pathetic in the world, then its your nose.

Prathik: How dare you comment on my nose?!

He was about to get down the counter when the boys pushed him closer to the shelves behind.

Karthik: Naila!

He warned her and she pouted at him making him to look at Prathik.

Karthik: She's kid, Prathik!

Prathik: Yeah, a rifle like kid she is!

Naila: Excuse me!

Abhimanyu: Okay, shut up!

Abhimanyu huffed in anger on knowing very well that these bickering kids are obviously going to be the future couple. He can't let his 'flower like' daughter marry an 'angry like' calf of Giraffe!

Mukti: Shut up, Thakkar!

She was obviously admiring them. She's already the future supporting mother-in-law.

Abhimanyu: No, you're shutting up. I'm here to cook so I need peace.

Prathik: Your best friend needs attention and you need peace. I'm telling you too, its not something you get in our refrigerator, so you won't get it from us.

"Prathik" the boys groaned along with Abhimanyu, who just shrugged his shoulders at them.

Abhimanyu: Okay, now let's make something sweet. Giraffe and his mate were visibly tired of something.

Mukti: Over something something!

She smiled mischievously at the boys, who smirked at her.

Manvik: They're yet to go all restless again.

Abhimanyu: Ab kya kiya tum logone mere best friends ke sath?!

He stood with his hands around his hip and the boys just rolled their eyes at him.

Karthik: Something Manik Malhotra hates!

Manvik: And something Nandini Dhawan despise of!

Prathik: Which is...

Abhimanyu/Mukti: A third person between them!

They looked at each other in horror which then became excitement. Excitement to see the mini monsters in the love birds!

To be continued..